Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
SOC: 15-1221 O*NET: 15-1221.00
Median Salary
$140,910
per year
Job Growth
🚀 19.7%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
What does a Computer and Information Research Scientists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$80,670
10th percentile
Early Career
$102,710
25th percentile
Median
$140,910
50th percentile
Experienced
$181,210
75th percentile
Top Earners
$232,120
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$80,670
25th
$102,710
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$140,910
Mean: $152,310
75th
$181,210
90th
$232,120
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $151,450 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $102,710 and $181,210
- •Salary spread is 55.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 38,480 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:40,300
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services45.5%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services45.5%
Scientific Research and Development Services20.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+19.7%
Annual Openings:3,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)40,300
Current
2034 (Projected)48,300
+19.7%
+7,900
Employment Change
+19.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Much faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 40 locations
California
8,570 jobs$156,2901.90x
Virginia
3,150 jobs$153,3403.10x
Texas
2,800 jobs$101,9900.81x
Maryland
2,750 jobs$141,5404.01x
Washington
2,590 jobs$221,9902.93x
Massachusetts
1,800 jobs$166,9101.98x
New York
1,320 jobs$197,3900.55x
New Jersey
1,110 jobs$146,2901.05x
Florida
1,090 jobs$117,2500.45x
Utah
870 jobs$94,8302.05x
North Carolina
790 jobs$124,4900.65x
Georgia
700 jobs$89,2700.58x
Indiana
700 jobs$83,5900.89x
Oregon
660 jobs$180,0101.35x
Oklahoma
590 jobs$92,5801.39x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Much faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Judgment and Decision Making
100%
#2
Complex Problem Solving
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Systems Analysis
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Reading Comprehension
66%
#7
Systems Evaluation
60%
#8
Programming
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Speaking
40%
Skills Overview
Judgment and Decision Making
advanced5.0
100%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Systems Analysis
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Systems Evaluation
intermediate3.0
60%
Programming
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Judgment and Decision Making
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Systems Analysis
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Systems Evaluation
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Programming
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Database Architects100%
5 shared skills
Health Informatics Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Petroleum Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Software Developers82%
5 shared skills
Web Developers82%
5 shared skills
Actuaries67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Evaluation
- →Programming
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Systems Analysis
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Systems Analysis
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Computer and Information Research Scientists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechTensorFlow
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechDocker
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechApache Spark
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Power BI
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechSplunk Enterprise
🔥 Hot TechAmazon DynamoDB
🔥 Hot TechApache Cassandra
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
TensorFlow
The MathWorks MATLAB
Docker
GitHub
Apache Spark
Microsoft Power BI
Tableau
Splunk Enterprise
Amazon DynamoDB
Apache Cassandra
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
15
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (5)General Responsibilities (4)Management & Supervision (5)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision88% perform92%
6
Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision85% perform90%
7
Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Management & Supervision76% perform84%
10
Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •47% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Computer and Information Research Scientists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals typically have a ICR Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Computer and Information Research Scientists
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.61
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.17
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.05
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.01
Achievement/Effort
ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level3.97
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.95
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.6
Cooperation
4.2
Attention to Detail
4.0
Independence
4.0
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Initiative
4.0
Innovation
3.9
Integrity
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Dependability
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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